Courtesy photos Senior Master Sgt. Stephen Brook, in his early years as a member of the Royal Air Force, left, and currently at Luke Air Force Base. A 944th Logistics Readiness Squadron transportation manager has served more than 30 years in both active-duty and Reserve status in the U.S. Air Force but started his career…

Joel Bledsoe, husband of Col. Yolanda Bledsoe, 56th Medical Group commander, and other guests at the National Hispanic Heritage Month luncheon, dance to salsa music Oct. 10 at the Naval Operations Support Center at Luke Air Force Base. NHHM is observed Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 to celebrate the heritage and culture of American citizens…

Shutdown endangers reserve component readiness Reserve component personnel continue to be affected by the government shutdown, and officials are concerned about readiness. Within the Defense Department, the reserve components are the Army National Guard, the Air National Guard, the Army Reserve, the Air Force Reserve, the Navy Reserve and the Marine Corps Reserve. The Coast…

Editor’s Note: The “People First” section is compiled from information from the Air Force Personnel Center, TRICARE, 56th Force Support Squadron, Airman and Family Readiness Flight, Veterans Affairs, the civilian personnel office and armed forces news services. For the complete story, go to the web address listed at the end of the story. New Air…

October, Energy Action Month, provides an opportunity for Airmen to learn more about the impact of energy to the Air Force’s mission as part of a national campaign led by the Department of Energy. This year’s theme, “I am Air Force Energy,” puts the Airman at the center of the campaign. The goal is to…

Water interruption in base housing Water services will be interrupted to repair a water leak from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 24 in base housing. After repair is completed, allow water to run for 10 minutes to allow system to clear. For more information, call Balfour Beatty Communities housing office at 623-388-3515. Tres Rios…

Courtesy Photo Edward Rice Jr. JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas – The commander of Air Education and Training Command retired Thursday, ending a 35-year career of service and commitment to the U.S. Air Force. Gen. Edward Rice Jr., a command pilot with more than 4,000 flying hours, retired after handing AETC’s reins over to Gen….

Oct. 1998: Low on parts, no spare engines Fifteen years ago this month, the 56th Component Repair Squadron, later designated the 56th Component Maintenance Squadron, hit a milestone. They had no engine holes in any aircraft and had one spare engine for the first time in five years. The question is how did they get…

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